The Lizzie Borden Society archive

Lizzie Andrew Borden

 

Forum URL:

http://lizzieandrewborden.com/LBForum/index.php
Forum Title: LIZZIE BORDEN SOCIETY
Topic Area: Lizzie Andrew Borden
Topic Name: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites

1. "Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by dave rehak on Feb-22nd-02 at 2:57 AM

Something I'm quite concerned about as a Bordenite, and I think we all should be, is the preservation of our Bordenia. That includes buildings. As some of us know, Maplecroft is lookin' pretty shabby these days.

Also, I've been concerned about the Bristol County Courthouse where Lizzie was tried, in New Bedford. Has anyone seen it in the last few months? I hear that its been all renovated, the leaky roof has been fixed and the whole thing's been re-painted at long last! The repairs had been going on for over 5 years! Anyway, I'd love to see it now.


2. "Re: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by kashesan on Feb-22nd-02 at 8:13 AM
In response to Message #1.

The thought of Maplecroft going to seed has always bothered me too. Why doesn't the owner fix it up? If they can't afford to, then sell the place to someone (like me!) who would love it, and keep it pristine. Such a shame...


3. "Re: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by Stefani on Feb-22nd-02 at 9:29 AM
In response to Message #2.

Kash, you living in Maplecroft? Ooh la la! I bet you could do some heavy duty writing there!

Mr. Dube owns it right? The sign on the door in John's photo says he is also the Public Fire Adjustor? I guess that means he investigates places that have been burned down and adjusts something? Hopefully not himself.

Anyway, what I remember being told was that he had once upon a time planned to turn Maplecroft into a B&B, fought hard for the zoning, got it, then didn't much like the business side of it and has since turned off the welcome sign. I note that lots of stuff from that house and its many renovations have been sold on eBay--whatever that means.

I have no idea how old Mr. Dube is. Perhaps he bit off more than he could chew and thought he had a cash cow with that house and instead has a big headache.

Anybody know anything?


4. "Re: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by Tina-Kate on Feb-22nd-02 at 11:23 AM
In response to Message #3.

The scariest thing I heard re Maplecroft was on the old LBMB, posted by a woman (who shall remain nameless) who now has her own board.  She was saying Dube wanted to sell Maplecroft & was planning to renovate the place to attract a buyer.  Can you imagine, after the place having retained everything down to the original Lizzie wallpaper, & the guy wants to rip everything out?!  I really hope this isn't the case.  I especially hope he isn't selling stuff from the house on eBay.  This kind of destruction for profit is horrific.  Maplecroft needs to be declared an historical landmark in order to keep such things from happening.  Trouble is, Dube is the owner & is free to do as he likes.  Let's hope the reno rumors are false!


5. "Re: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by kashesan on Feb-27th-02 at 7:02 AM
In response to Message #3.

me living at Maplecroft: there'll be a party this Saturday night, and you're all invited. (BYOB)


6. "Re: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by Tina-Kate on Feb-27th-02 at 5:58 PM
In response to Message #5.

Kash--  you mustn't tease us!  Would be wonderful to have an official Bordenite living in Maplecroft.

Will you also include palm trees, musicians, caterers & theatre people?! 


7. "Re: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by kashesan on Feb-28th-02 at 7:04 AM
In response to Message #6.

Why Of Course! Hmmmm, theater people of today at Maplecroft. Too bad Fosse's dead-Lizzie would have liked him. And Quentin Crisp. Mabe I could get the gals from Ab Fab over from England, who else?? (Palm trees AND Venus Fly Traps all over the house)


8. "Re: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by Harry on Feb-28th-02 at 7:40 AM
In response to Message #7.

How about "Smashing Pumpkins"? At least the name fits in.


9. "Re: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by dave rehak on Mar-2nd-02 at 5:51 PM
In response to Message #8.

Can I play the role of the handsome young chauffeur Joseph Tetrault? LOL


10. "Re: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by augusta on Mar-8th-02 at 8:09 PM
In response to Message #9.

I remember when Maplecroft was for sale.  I don't think it found a buyer.  I think Mr. Dube has owned it for some time.  There's no way I'd consider buying it.  If Lizzie's spirit is still around, it's in there.  Has anyone interviewed Mr. Dube about the spirits in Maplecroft?  That would be a good article.  I never got super close to it, but you can tell the paint has been peeling for years.  I hope the original things (the wallpaper, carvings, etc.) are still there.  I never heard otherwise.  By 'renovating' I took that to mean sprucing it up, but not getting rid of the good stuff.  I don't see any ads for the Maplecroft B & B.  Maybe Mr. Dube just doesn't have the money to fix it up like he wants.  I agree - it should be definitely saved.  If Mr. Dube was willing to put it on the market once, maybe he would be willing to think over a reasonable offer on it.  There has been so little publicity about Maplecroft!  Gee, if they did some video on it and let people see inside they'd probably have people clamoring to get in.  I've never seen a brochure on it.  I do plan on taking a tour of the house next time I go out there.  I was told to contact ahead and arrangements would be made. 


11. "Re: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by Harry on Mar-8th-02 at 8:27 PM
In response to Message #10.

Yes Augusta, Maplecroft in my mind is even more important than 2nd street when it comes to trying to understand Lizzie. This is what she wanted, the house on the Hill. What she alledgedly committed a double murder for.
She had almost 35 years to make it her own home, about half her life.

From the pictures I've seen a coat of paint is LONG overdue.


12. "Re: Preserving Our Lizzie Heritage Sites"
Posted by Harry on Mar-14th-02 at 2:28 PM
In response to Message #1.

This May 1997 article indicates parts of the New Bedford courthouse are in bad shape.

http://www.s-t.com/daily/05-97/05-11-97/a01lo002.htm

A follow up to the above article indictes funds may be allotted to fix the courthouse or to build a new one:

http://www.s-t.com/daily/05-97/05-14-97/c01lo095.htm

(Message last edited Mar-14th-02  3:19 PM.)


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